Yacht Charter Turkey: Sailing Antalya and the Eastern Mediterranean Coast

Most visitors to Turkey's sailing coast focus on the western stretch between Bodrum and Fethiye, and understandably so - that part of the coast is extraordinary. But the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, centered around Antalya, offers a sailing experience that is equally beautiful and significantly less visited.

A yacht charter Turkey trip based out of Antalya opens up a stretch of coastline that includes ancient Lycian ruins, dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise bays, and historic ports that have been serving sailors for over two thousand years.

Viravira lists boats from Antalya from $291 per day, with a range of vessel types including gulets, motor yachts, and catamarans.

Antalya: Turkey's Mediterranean Gateway

Antalya is Turkey's largest Mediterranean city and one of its most historically rich. The old town, known as Kaleici, clusters around a Roman harbor that has been in continuous use since the second century AD. Narrow Ottoman-era streets wind between ancient towers and mosques, and the waterfront retains a character that larger, more touristy ports have long since lost.

Sailing out of Antalya's marina takes you east toward the Pamphylian coast or west toward the Lycian coast, both of which offer extraordinary sailing scenery and significant historical depth.

East of Antalya: The Pamphylian Shore

Sailing east from Antalya brings you to a stretch of coast that is less visited by charter boats than the famous western routes. Key highlights include:

• Side: An ancient Pamphylian city with a remarkably well-preserved theater and columns that rise from the beach directly into the sea
• Alanya: A dramatic medieval castle perched on a rocky headland, visible for miles from the sea
• Anamur: One of Turkey's best-preserved Byzantine coastal fortresses, rising directly from the water

This eastern stretch sees far fewer charter boats than Bodrum or Fethiye, which means anchorages are quieter and the sense of genuine discovery is stronger.

West of Antalya: The Lycian Shore

Sailing west from Antalya toward Finike, Kas, and Kekova opens up one of Turkey's most historically significant and visually spectacular coastlines. The Lycian civilization that inhabited this region in antiquity left a extraordinary legacy of tombs, temples, and amphitheaters, many of which are visible directly from an anchored boat.

Kas: A bohemian coastal town with a beautiful Lycian theater, excellent diving in a bay with ancient amphora wreckage, and a genuinely charming town center

Kekova: The ancient Lycian city of Dolchiste partially subsided into the sea in an earthquake, and the resulting underwater ruins are visible from the surface as you sail slowly overhead

Ucagiz: A tiny harbor village near Kekova with a timeless quality and excellent local fish restaurants right on the waterfront

Booking a Boat Rental Turkey From Antalya

A boat rental Turkey from Antalya through Viravira follows the platform's standard booking process. Search Antalya listings on Viravira, filter by your preferred vessel type and group size, and message the owner directly to discuss the Lycian or Pamphylian route options in detail.

Many Antalya-based boat owners have specific expertise in both the eastern and western coastal routes and can help you design an itinerary that makes the most of your available time.

Practical Notes for Eastern Mediterranean Sailing in Turkey

• Weather: The eastern Mediterranean coast has slightly less predictable conditions than the Aegean but is generally excellent from May through October
• Facilities: Marinas at Antalya, Finike, and Kas are well-equipped for charter boats
• Language: English is widely spoken in sailing areas; Turkish is always appreciated by locals
• Currency: Turkish Lira for most transactions; card payments widely accepted

Conclusion

Antalya and the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey offer a sailing experience that combines the best of Turkey's natural beauty with historical depth and significantly less crowding than the famous western routes. Viravira's verified listings give you direct access to this extraordinary stretch of coastline at competitive prices with full booking protection.